What is Direct Capture?
Direct Capture is a feature designed to streamline the asset ingestion process in Canto by using secure file transfer protocols (SFTP/FTPS). This allows photographers and external partners to send images directly from their cameras or capture tools into Canto, eliminating the need for manual uploads. The process ensures a seamless and secure transfer of assets into designated albums within the Canto library.
By allowing images to be delivered directly from the field, it reduces delays commonly associated with traditional upload methods, ensuring faster asset availability. This feature simplifies the delivery process for external partners, such as photographers and agencies, by enabling them to use familiar workflows without requiring access to the Canto interface. Additionally, Direct Capture ensures controlled asset intake by directing images into predefined albums. This allows the Canto Admins to review and manage content effectively before wider distribution.
Once Direct Capture is enabled for an album, it becomes a dedicated destination for incoming images. External partners or photographers receive secure credentials and connect to Canto using SFTP or FTPS from their camera, capture tool, or SFTP client. Uploaded images are automatically ingested into the designated album, where Canto Administrators can review and manage them. The image files arrive with the default approval status, which can be configured for your account—refer to the Approval Status Options article for details. Additionally, all embedded metadata, including EXIF, IPTC, and XMP, is preserved and can be automatically mapped to your custom fields using Canto's Custom Metadata Mapping feature.
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How do I access Direct Capture?
If you're interested in enabling Direct Capture for your account, please contact your Account Manager. Alternatively, you can submit a support request, and our capable customer service team will answer any questions you might have.
If Direct Capture has already been enabled in your account, you may continue reading this article to learn how to use Direct Capture.
How to: Setup Direct Capture
Direct Capture Setup for Canto Administrators
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Enable Direct Capture for an Album
In the New Canto XI Library, either create a new album or navigate to an existing album where you want to direct incoming files. Open the album's options menu by clicking the icon, and then select "
Enable SFTP/FTPS Connection."
The "Enable SFTP/FTPS Connection" modal will appear, allowing you to select the recipient type from the drop-down menu. To send credentials to a user with a Canto account, choose "Existing Canto User." For external partners or photographers, select "External User."
- For existing Canto users, begin typing the user's name in the "Search Canto user" box. Once their name appears, click to select it.
- For external users, enter their First Name, Last Name, and Email address to complete the form.
Finally, click "Send Credentials." Canto will generate secure SFTP/FTPS credentials and email them to the recipient.
The album icon will change to indicating that a Direct Capture connection is enabled for this album.
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Please note: The credentials generated for the user are exclusively tied to that specific album, meaning they can only upload files to the album for which their credentials were issued. If the user needs to upload files to a different album, a new SFTP/FTPS connection must be enabled for that album. |
Disable Direct Capture for an Album
Once the images have been successfully uploaded to Canto, you may wish to disconnect the Direct Capture connection for the album. Please note that the current version does not yet include an option to disconnect the Direct Capture connection directly; however, this feature is planned for an upcoming version of Direct Capture, which will be available soon.
In the meantime, we recommend deleting the album once the SFTP/FTPS connection is no longer necessary. Before doing so, make sure to move any assets you wish to keep to another album within the library to avoid accidental deletion.
Direct Capture Setup for Photographers and External Users
Canto Direct Capture is compatible with any professional cameras, capture tools, photo management software, and mobile applications that support SFTP or FTPS.
It is not required to have a Canto account to use Direct Capture. Once the Canto Admin enables the SFTP/FTPS connection for a specified album, you will receive an email with your SFTP/FTPS upload credentials.
To transfer your images to Canto and integrate the process into your existing workflow, start by selecting either the SFTP or FTPS protocol in your camera, photo management software, or SFTP client application. Depending on the protocol you selected, enter the corresponding Server (Host) name, Port, Username, and Password exactly as they appear in the Upload Credentials email you received. Once the connection is established, you can begin transferring your images. For detailed guidance on entering these credentials, refer to the instruction manual specific to your camera or application.
Transferred images are automatically uploaded into the designated album in the Canto library, and any embedded metadata is preserved during the ingestion process.